Board Election

Participation on the ONA Board of Directors is a unique opportunity to guide the world’s largest organization of digital journalists in shaping the future of media and building a stronger industry. Board participation is a chance to grow personally and professionally, and to develop skills, experience and connections with a team of other passionate and motivated professionals.

There are a total of 16 seats on the ONA Board; one is an appointed, non-voting early career officer. Eight members are in the middle of their terms and not up for re-election. The other eight directors are at the end of their two-year terms or appointments. Six seats are open for the 2023-24 election, and one seat will be appointed by the board by the end of this year.

Review the Voting Process

Timeline

From nominations to final results, the Board election process lasts approximately three months. Here are the key dates for the 2023-24 election.

Aug. 3, 2022: Call for Board nominations open
Aug. 18, 2022: Deadline for Board nominations
Aug. 31, 2022: Board slate announced
Sept. 8, 2022: Voter registration deadline. ONA members as of this date are eligible to cast ballots.
Sept. 12, 2022: Voting opens
Oct. 3, 2022: Voting closes
Oct. 12, 2022: Winners announced
January 1, 2023: New terms begin

Voting process

Voting in the 2023-24 ONA Board election is open Sept. 12-Oct. 3, 2022. ONA members as of Sept. 8 are eligible to cast ballots.

  1. Candidate slate was announced on Aug 31.
    See the candidates
  2. Log into the ONA member portal and find your unique election passcode, which is only available beginning Sept. 12
    Get your passcode
  3. Visit the ONA eBallot system and log in using your passcode to claim your ballot.
    Vote

How to run for the board

Two forms must be submitted to complete candidacy for the ONA Board. The call for nominations to seats on the 2022-23 Board of Directors is open Aug. 3-18, 2022.

  1. Ensure an ONA member in good standing. Log in to confirm or renew your membership, or join ONA.
  2. Review the nominee criteria and responsibilities required of board members, and have an understanding of ONA’s mission.
  3. Ask another ONA member to nominate you using the nomination form.
  4. Complete the candidate form.

Note: Current members of the Board of Directors running for reelection are required to complete the candidate form only

Nominations review

The ONA Governance Committee, led by a former or current board member, screen candidates and present a slate of eligible candidates to the current board for approval. It is the responsibility of the Governance Committee to present a slate that reflects a diversity of interests in the make-up of the board. The committee recommends candidates who have thoughtfully and thoroughly answered questions in the candidate form and most closely align with the criteria for board membership.

Once a slate is reviewed, the Governance Committee Chair notifies the nominees, and ONA announces the candidates slate to the membership. A page listing nominees is posted on journalists.org, along with their photos, bios, stated qualifications and candidate statements submitted during the nomination process.

Nominees have approximately two weeks to reach out to ONA members via social media or other communications platforms before voting begins. They are welcome to include any relevant links for posting with their candidate profile on journalists.org.

Previous elections